| abstract |
A class of 3-phenylimidazo(1,2-α) pyrimidine derivatives (of Formula I, or salt or prodrug thereof: I) wherein Y represents a chemical bond, an oxygen atom, or a —NH— linkage; Z represents an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl group; R 1 represents hydrogen, hydrocarbon, a heterocyclic group, halogen, cyano trifluoromethyl, nitro, —OR a , —SR a , —SOR a , —SO 2 R a , —SO 2 NR a R b , —NR a R b , —NR a COR b , —NR a CO 2 R b , —COR a , CO 2 R a , —CONR a R b or —CR a ═NOR b ; and R a and R b independently represent hydrogen, hydrocarbon or a heterocyclic group.), substituted at the meta position of the phenyl ring by an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl group which is directly attached or bridged by an oxygen atom or a —NH— linkage, are selective ligands for GABA A receptors, in particular having good affinity for the a2 and/or a3 and/or a5 subunit thereof, and are accordingly of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of adverse conditions of the central nervous system, including anxiety, convulsions and cognitive disorders. |